Polyol Aldehyde Reduction via Polyethylenimine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polyols used in the production of polyurethane polymers often have high residual aldehyde content and foul odors, which are undesirable in industrial applications, particularly in enclosed environments where volatile organic compounds must be minimized.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a polyol and a polyethylenimine compound is used to reduce the volatile aldehyde content, with the polyethylenimine being added to the polyol to form a mixture with significantly lower aldehyde levels and improved odor characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If polyols are used in the production of polyurethane polymers, then polyurethane polymers can be produced, but the polyols contain high residual aldehyde content and foul odors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolyurethane polymer productionVSAvoidvolatile aldehyde content and foul odors

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A polyethylenimine compound is introduced as an intermediary substance that reacts with volatile aldehyde compounds in the polyol. This mediator forms a chemical reaction product that eliminates the harmful volatile aldehydes and foul odors while allowing the polyol to continue being used in polyurethane polymer production. The polyethylenimine compound serves as a bridge substance that resolves the contradiction between maintaining polyol functionality and eliminating harmful emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If volatile organic compounds are present in raw materials, then the polyol can be used in polyurethane production, but the volatile organic compounds impart undesirable foul odors and exceed emission limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolyol usability in polyurethane productionVSAvoidfoul odors and volatile organic compound emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful volatile aldehyde compounds into beneficial reaction products through chemical reaction with the polyethylenimine compound. The harmful volatile organic compounds that cause foul odors and exceed emission limits are transformed into non-volatile or less harmful substances, effectively converting the harmful factor into a benefit by eliminating the odor and emission problems while maintaining polyol usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The addition of polyethylenimine reduces volatile aldehyde compounds by up to 30% and minimizes foul odors, making the polyol more suitable for producing polyurethane polymers that meet stringent emission standards.

Implementation Method 1

adding the polyethylenimine compound to the polyol to produce a composition, wherein the composition contains a second amount of volatile aldehyde compounds, and the second amount of volatile aldehyde compounds is less than the first amount of volatile aldehyde compounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11578027B2Method for producing a polyurethane polymer

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 MILLIKEN & CO

AI summary

A method for producing a polyurethane polymer comprises the steps of: (a) providing a polyol composition, the polyol composition comprising (i) a polyol, (ii) a polyethylenimine compound; and (iii) a bisulfite compound, (b) providing an isocyanate compound; (c) providing a catalyst; (d) combining and reacting the polyol composition, the isocyanate compound, and the catalyst to produce a polyurethane polymer.